There was a rumor circulating somewhere that consumers were venturing away from the large SUVs and opting for more midsize models with better fuel economy. There may have been some truth in those buying trends in years past, but the sales numbers for the Cadillac Escalade may be telling a different story.

With the latest ad campaigns speaking to the trendy, young, and individualistic and with an added appearance during the Oscars, it’s clear who the target market is. We wanted to look behind the latest data to learn more about the comeback of the Escalade and to see what’s new for 2021.

The Cadillac Escalade lost ground

Cadillac has been a dominant luxury brand for many years but began losing ground in the early 2010s. An influx of foreign competitors – like BMW and Mercedes-Benz – and a car-buying shift to downsized vehicles partially contributed to the drop in numbers. The automaker was slow to get in the midsize SUV game, which hurt overall sales numbers as well.

In 2010, Cadillac Escalade sales peaked at 16,118. By 2013, Escalade sales dipped to 12,592. This slip in SUV sales for Cadillac provided an opening for the Lincoln Navigator, and the rival automaker leveraged the opportunity to get ahead.

Today’s numbers suggest a large luxury SUV comeback

As most trends do, and much like a pendulum, the numbers began to shift again for the Cadillac Escalade. By 2015, sales numbers had already jumped to over 21,000 for the year. By the end of last year, over 35,000 Escalade models sold here in the U.S. There was a surge in overseas sales as well, including China.

People began buying Escalades again, and it was a sign that a new generation of buyers was interested in luxury and power. Some suggest the consumer need for large SUVs not only resurged but maybe never really left in the first place.

What’s new for the Cadillac Escalade in 2021?

The flagship vehicle for Cadillac continues to grow in popularity, and the latest redesign for 2021 promises to have it all. To speak to the needs of the younger generations, the Escalade is setting the bar high on options, active fuel-management, and even semi-autonomous driver assistance tech.

Super Cruise, a hands-free system, works across 200,000 miles of mapping. It uses sensors to anticipate the vehicle’s surroundings, along with a front camera and 360-degree cameras and radar. While this won’t be available at launch, it’s coming. And added to the already impressive menu of amenities, the Escalade is on point to continue to dominate.

What consumers can continue to expect with the latest redesign

In addition to the new tech and plushy extras, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade will bring all the bar-raising amenities you’ve come to love. The standard 6.2-liter V8 engine harnesses 420 hp. But in a more fuel-efficient shift, it will now feature the Dynamic Fuel Management system and a cylinder-deactivation function.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade will seat up to eight and come with standard leather interiors and a heated, second-row bench seat. Power-retractable assist steps are also coming back for easy access. You’ll have USB, navigation, and an 18-speaker Bose sound system for the ultimate in the luxury experience.

The base model MSRP, which is far more luxurious than most in its class, will set you back $75,195. But, if you need bigger and better, the highest-end Platinum Escalade ESV can top out at $95,295.

It’s clear the Cadillac Escalade is coming back to life, and now with the features that speak to a younger SUV-buying generation. It’s putting Lincoln and the others on notice with its game-changing tech. Some say the Escalade is redefining the large luxurious SUV segment altogether.